Celosia argentea (Amaranthaceae) Silver Cockscomb

Celosia argentea (Silver Cockscomb)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Celosia argentea

Family: Amaranthaceae

Genus: Celosia

The Amaranthaceae family is significant for providing drought-resistant leafy vegetables and herbs with strong medicinal virtues, particularly for blood purification, digestion, and inflammation.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Amaranthus spinosus (Tanduliya/Kanta chaulai): A common potherb and medicinal plant used as a digestive, diuretic, and for skin conditions.

• Achyranthes aspera (Apamarga): A highly important Ayurvedic herb used for ritual purposes, dental care, and for treating a wide range of ailments from asthma to obstetrical disorders.

• Chenopodium album (Bathua): A nutritious leafy vegetable with cooling, laxative, and anthelmintic properties.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Celosia argentea | English: Silver Cockscomb, Quail Grass, Woolflower | Sanskrit: Kundaahva, Shvetamurva (disputed), Kuranta | Hindi: Safed murgha, Lalgur | Tamil: Pannai keerai, Kozhi poo | Telugu: Guruginja, Kukka pogaku | Kannada: Anne gida, Keli honne | Malayalam: Kozhippuvu, Pannakeera | Marathi: Kurdu, Kombda | Bengali: Moragphul, Swetmurga | Chinese: Qīng Xiāng (青葙) | Japanese: No-geitō (ノゲイトウ) | Yoruba (Nigeria): Shokoyokoto |

3. Medicinal Uses:Astringent, Anti-diarrheal, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective (liver protective), Ophthalmic (for eye diseases), Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic (fever-reducing).

Medicinal Parts:The seeds, leaves, roots, and inflorescence are all used medicinally.

• Seeds (Kurantaka Beeja): The primary medicinal part in Ayurvedic formulations, especially for eye diseases.

• Leaves: Used as a potherb and in medicinal decoctions.

• Root and Inflorescence: Used in traditional preparations for specific conditions.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Saponins: These compounds contribute to the plant's Anti-inflammatory and potential Hepatoprotective actions. They may also be responsible for some diuretic effects.

Flavonoids (Celosianin, etc.): Unique pigments that provide strong Antioxidant activity, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Betalains: Pigments (found in some varieties) with potent Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory properties, similar to those found in beets.

Alkaloids and Amino Acids: Present in the seeds and leaves, contributing to the plant's overall pharmacological profile, including potential neuroprotective effects studied in traditional Chinese medicine.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Netraroga (Eye Diseases) – Primary Use

Formulation: Kurantaka (seeds of Celosia argentea) are a key ingredient in classical Ayurvedic eye formulations like Kurantakadi Yoga and Saptamrita Lauha.

Preparation & Use: The seeds are processed into a fine paste or medicated ghee (Ghrita) and applied as a collyrium (Anjana) or taken internally to treat corneal opacity, conjunctivitis, night blindness, and other vision disorders.

Reasoning: The seeds are believed to have a specific affinity for the eyes (Chakshushya), with anti-inflammatory and cooling properties that pacify Pitta in the head and optic region.

Atisara (Diarrhea) & Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders)

Formulation: Seed or leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the seeds or leaves is consumed for dysentery and diarrhea due to their astringent action. The plant is also used for conditions involving abnormal bleeding, like menorrhagia.

Reasoning: The high saponin and tannin content provides astringent properties that help dry up excess moisture in the bowels and contract blood vessels.

Jwara (Fever) & Yakrit Vikara (Liver Disorders)

Formulation: Whole plant decoction.

Preparation & Use: In various folk traditions, a decoction of the whole plant is used to treat fevers and to support liver function in cases of jaundice or hepatitis.

Reasoning: The diuretic and hepatoprotective properties may aid in eliminating toxins and reducing the heat associated with fever and liver inflammation.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The young leaves and stems of Celosia argentea are consumed as a nutritious leafy green vegetable in many parts of Asia and Africa, often stir-fried or added to soups.

Kurantaka Seed Eye Wash

Purpose: To soothe itchy, burning, or inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis).

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1 teaspoon of Celosia argentea seeds.

• Soak them overnight in a cup of clean water.

• In the morning, strain the water thoroughly using a fine muslin cloth.

• Use this water as an eyewash, 2-3 times a day. Extreme sterility is crucial.

Anti-diarrheal Decoction

Purpose: For mild, non-infectious diarrhea.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil 1 teaspoon of dried seeds or a handful of leaves in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink 1/2 cup, twice a day until symptoms subside.

Nutritive Leaf Stir-fry (Pannai Keerai)

Purpose: As a healthy, mineral-rich green vegetable.

Preparation & Use:

• Clean and chop young Celosia leaves.

• Sauté with mustard seeds, urad dal, dried red chilies, and grated coconut.

• Cook until wilted and serve as a side dish.

7. Disclaimer:

The leafy vegetable form of Celosia argentea is generally safe to eat. However, medicinal use, particularly eye applications, requires extreme caution and sterility to avoid serious infection. Internal medicinal use for diarrhea or liver conditions should be short-term. The seeds are considered potent; their use for eye diseases should only be undertaken under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (Vaidya). This information is for educational purposes only.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. II) by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

• Chinese Medicinal Herbs of Hong Kong (Vol. 5) - for comparative TCM uses.

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Berberis aristata (Daruharidra)

• Species: Berberis aristata | Family: Berberidaceae | Genus: Berberis

• Similarities: Both are considered premier Chakshushya (beneficial for eyes) herbs in Ayurveda. While Celosia is often used externally in eye preparations, Daruharidra is used both internally and externally for a wide range of eye infections and inflammations due to its potent antimicrobial alkaloid, berberine.

2. Trianthema portulacastrum (Vishaghni/Varshabhu)

• Species: Trianthema portulacastrum | Family: Aizoaceae | Genus: Trianthema

• Similarities: Both are used in traditional medicine for liver disorders and jaundice. They share diuretic and hepatoprotective properties and are often used in folk remedies for detoxification and fever.

3. Amaranthus viridis (Chowlai/Green Amaranth)

• Species: Amaranthus viridis | Family: Amaranthaceae | Genus: Amaranthus

• Similarities: As a member of the same family, it shares the dual role of being a nutritious leafy green vegetable and a mild medicinal herb used for its cooling, diuretic, and blood-purifying properties, often used in a similar culinary context.

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